Chapter 361 The Prime Minister’s belly can punt a boat
Chapter 363 The Prime Minister’s belly can punt a boat
Tianbao tenth year, late February.
Nalanzhen learned Chinese for two months and was able to communicate normally. She even understood some of the power disputes in the Tang Dynasty. She thought she had discovered very confidential information, and she was secretly happy.
She was recently analyzing Xue Bai's promotion path, hoping to become more familiar with the officialdom of the Tang Dynasty. However, Xue Bai didn't seem to notice that every time he talked to others, Na Lanzhen was eavesdropping.
That day, the post horse delivered an official document, and Diao Bing ran to hand it to Xue Bai. After returning, Diao Geng hurriedly greeted him.
"Brother, can you go back to Chang'an? We should be rewarded based on merit, so it is our husband's turn."
"Shh."
Diao Bing's sharp eyes noticed Na Lanzhen who was sweeping the floor aside. He stopped his brothers' discussion and said loudly: "The broom has swept away the entire floor, but the floor has not been swept clean yet."
Although he did not clearly indicate whom he was talking about, the person he was talking about would naturally know.
"Master still doesn't give up and wants to return to Chang'an?" Princess Nalanzhen did not change her temper. She simply threw away the broom and stepped forward and asked: "What's so good about Chang'an? Why not stay in Yunnan?"
The Diao brothers looked at each other and were too lazy to answer her question. Where is Chang'an better? Chang'an is much better than Nanzhao!
Nalanzhen could feel their disdain, but she was completely puzzled. Xue Bai had clearly told her that he wanted to be the King of Pingxi. She thought about it carefully and finally decided to support him. As long as conditions allowed, she would convince Zanpu to let him
Xue Bai replaced Ge Luofeng.
Isn't it better to become a prince than to return to Chang'an and be a mediocre minister?
"What's the news today?" Seeing that the Diao brothers didn't answer, Nalanzhen asked again.
"Don't ask around! Go and wash your husband's clothes."
The Diao brothers were very strict and never said anything, but sometimes they could glean something useful from Xue Bai's mouth. Therefore, at night, when Xue Bai came back from Cui Guangyuan, Nalanzhen held a
Folding clothes, he knocked on Xue Bai's door.
She habitually took a deep breath before entering the door, telling herself that the overall situation was the most important thing and suppressing the resentment in her heart.
"Master, your clothes are washed."
"Um."
Xue Bai was standing by the window with his arms folded, looking at the moon, holding a piece of letter paper in his hand.
Nalanzhen put her clothes on the couch and peeked at the paper. She now knew most of the Chinese characters, but unfortunately, the night was too dark and she couldn't see clearly what was on the paper.
She rolled her eyes, lifted up the folded clothes, and asked, "Are you going to hang the clothes?"
Xue Bai turned around and saw a big hole in the seam of the sleeves of the robe, and gave a confused look.
"Ah." Na Lanzhen was a little embarrassed, "I'll sew it."
She took advantage of the situation and sat down, took out the needle and money from her arms, and sewed clothes in the moonlight.
Sitting like this, there was always chatting, so she asked: "Master, has your reward been received? Should you stay in Yunnan or return to Chang'an?"
"Go back to Chang'an."
"But didn't you ask me if Tubo would like to be supported by another Yunnan king?"
"Just joking with you." Xue Bai responded casually, folded the letter in his hand and put it away.
Nalanzhen couldn't help but feel disappointed.
At first, she decided to support Xue Bai reluctantly and reluctantly; then she often thought about it and gradually realized that this was her best way out; now that Xue Bai has a better choice, instead
She couldn't give up the "King of Yunnan" plan, and it almost became an obsession.
"Isn't it difficult for you to get rid of Cui Guangyuan and seek the governor of Yunnan?" She asked tentatively, "As you said recently, there is still little arable land in Yunnan. To make the people live well, trade is the best way. You will do it.
The governor of Yunnan can do business with Tubo. I have thought about this and it can be done."
Xue Bai smiled and didn't answer, as if he didn't take what she said seriously.
After all, Na Lanzhen was inexperienced and far less calm than him, so she couldn't help but become anxious.
"Why do you want to go back to Chang'an more? Tell me, I really have a way to persuade Tibet to support your independence."
Xue Bai's eyes fell on the robe she had mended, and he saw that the robe was even more mended by her. He couldn't help but think of the ugly little monkey that Yan Yan had embroidered for him.
There were many reasons for wanting to return to Chang'an, and there was no need for him to explain to Nalanzhen, so he picked up a random reason and sent her away.
"I just want to go back."
"Can……"
"It's not your prisoner's turn to speak yet, so go ahead."
Nalanzhen had no choice but to turn around and retreat. She was unwilling and thought about it. When she walked to the door, she suddenly turned back and stared at Xue Bai.
"If, if you decide to stay and take over Yunnan, it's not impossible for me to marry you."
After saying these words, Na Lanzhen clenched her hands tightly, thinking that she had really tried her best.
However, there was a burst of laughter outside the house.
"Ha ha ha ha."
Nalanzhen was stunned, ran out of the house and saw the Diao brothers standing on the porch, laughing so hard.
"What are you doing standing here?"
"Are you still allowed to be a prisoner alone with Mr. Lang?"
"Why are you laughing? Stop laughing."
"Hahaha, there are so many people who want to marry our husband. There are so many gentle and beautiful ladies in Chang'an City. Why would my husband marry you, a disgusting little Tibetan lady?"
"Stop talking!"
Nalanzhen didn't expect that the words she finally said could be heard by others. She was embarrassed and annoyed, so she had to run away angrily.
But two days later, she still found out that Xue Bai had been moved to Zhongshushe and was preparing to return to Chang'an. She couldn't help but say something bitter about this.
"Master was planning to return to Chang'an a few days ago, but there was no plan at all. He was just lucky enough to be transferred back, right?"
Xue Bai really wanted to teach her, so he asked: "Why do you think I was transferred back?"
Na Lanzhen actually understood something, and said: "Li Linfu died, and Yang Guozhong thought of his master in order to deal with his political opponents. But what if Li Linfu did not die? So it is his luck that the master was there."
"It's not Yang Guozhong." Xue Bai shook his head and said, "I never make only one-hand preparations..."
~~
Chang'an, Imperial City, Zhongshu and other provinces.
A large mahogany chair was brought into the official mansion and set up. After the servants who had done rough work retired, the maids quickly stepped forward, scrubbed the floor again, and covered it with a thick carpet.
"Hurry up, the right minister is coming soon."
The official residence had just been tidied up, and the group of people had already turned around the long corridor and were surrounded by Yang Guozhong, who had taken office as a new official.
Miao Jinqing, the Minister of Civil Affairs, hurried over, holding a stack of official documents, and hurriedly placed them on the table. He turned around, saluted immediately, and called: "Your Prime Minister."
"Um."
Yang Guozhong responded calmly, sat down at the main seat, and glanced sideways at the official residence, barely satisfied.
He took a slow sip of tea, looked around at everyone in the hall, and said: "Since I took office, everything that needs to be straightened out has been straightened out. It's time to do something."
The officials were waiting quietly for what was to come, waiting to hear what the Right Prime Minister told them to do about important national affairs.
But Yang Guozhong pondered for a long time and then said: "Let's rehearse a play and find a big fat man to play An Lushan. Let's play him meeting the prince on Zhuque Street and shouting, 'I don't know what the prince is'. Let the fat man face the prince.
Twist your butt, the funnier the better, the people will love to see it."
"this……"
All the officials felt that it was ridiculous and didn't know why, so they could only look at each other in confusion.
"Right Prime Minister, does this undermine the majesty of the imperial court?"
"Just do it as you are told!" Yang Guozhong said displeasedly, "What's the excuse for such a trivial matter?!"
"Here."
Officials immediately reacted and realized that Yang Guozhong was deliberately trying to offend the East Palace. After taking office, he suddenly assumed this posture of embarrassing the East Palace. It was obviously because one of the most important responsibilities of the right prime minister was to check and balance the East Palace and let the saint sit back and relax.
Although it is a small matter, everyone's acceptance is a way of expressing their stance. Now that they have participated in ridiculing Dong Gong, they have made up their mind to become an enemy of Dong Gong.
After waiting for a while and seeing that no one dared to object, Yang Guozhong nodded with satisfaction and talked about the next thing.
"Where is Wang Zhongsi?"
"When he arrived in Liangzhou, he was said to be ill and stayed here to recuperate."
"Let the imperial censor impeach him." Yang Guozhong gave the order first, and then pondered over the charges and said slowly: "He is proud of his merits, has no superiority to the emperor, and harbors resentment."
"Here."
This time the officials responded quickly. They all knew that in order to show Yang Guozhong's determination to deal with the East Palace and show his strength to deal with the East Palace, he must get rid of Wang Zhongsi.
It’s a matter of staying in position and there is no way out.
After that, several officials close to the East Palace were dismissed. Yang Guozhong thought that this was enough to express his position, so he picked up the official documents on the case and read them.
Since he took office as prime minister, he has been busy conquering the party members, taking care of financial matters, and also started to deal with the Eastern Palace. Only now has he had time to review specific affairs.
"This is the reward for the last batch of meritorious officials in the First Battle of Nanzhao. Please take a look at it." Miao Jinqing saw Yang Guozhong picking up the official document and quickly reminded him, smiling: "It's all done according to the wishes of your right minister.
"
"good."
Yang Guozhong nodded, agreed casually, and was about to put down the official document.
Suddenly, he frowned, stretched out his hand, and wiped a series of words, as if to confirm whether he had read it correctly.
"Why transfer Xue Bai to be a member of Zhongshushe?!"
Yang Guozhong was a little angry.
When he became the right minister, he had to suppress the prince for the saint, and he had to get rid of the most threatening person in the East Palace family, which was Wang Zhongsi.
Although Xue Bai once eliminated Wang Zhongsi's bad impression in the saint's mind before, this time, Xianyu Zhongtong actually reported something to Yang Guozhong in private, which made Yang Guozhong resolutely attack Wang Zhongsi and turn him into a prostitute.
How can we bring Xue Bai back at this time?
Miao Jinqing was stunned for a moment and said in surprise: "But this...isn't this what you mean, Prime Minister?"
"When did the Prime Minister say that?!" Yang Guozhong was furious, raised his hand and shouted: "Miao Jinqing, do you think I, the prime minister, are easy to bully?"
"But, the documents under Zhongshu's sect..."
While Miao Jinqing was still waiting to explain, something suddenly occurred to him. He turned around and looked around at the officials in the hall.
He thought that Yang Guozhong was not the only one under Zhongshu who could issue official documents, but also Chen Xilie.
However, Chen Xilie was not in the hall at this time.
~~
Chen Xilie went to Li Linfu's gravesite again today and placed a few sticks of incense in front of the grave.
What he paid homage to was actually his lost time. As the left prime minister in those years, he could only obey and achieve nothing under the power of Li Linfu.
Fortunately, everything went as planned, and he finally got rid of Li Linfu, and it was time to show off his talents.
Today, Yang Qixuan and his wife went to pay homage with him. They lit incense. Chen Xilie got on the carriage and lamented: "I heard that after the death of the right prime minister, the spit pot held a big banquet at home and drank happily."
Li Shiniang sneered slightly and said: "On the day my grandpa passed away, I arrived late. I let him deceive my grandpa with his sweet words, but in fact, this man was a man with a sweet heart and a sword, and he was not worthy of being a prime minister."
"Yes." Chen Xilie said: "I heard that he is still secretly pursuing the Absi rebellion, and it seems that he intends to lead the matter to the Right Prime Minister's Office."
"It's a pity that my brother is incompetent and doesn't have the courage to quarrel with him."
Li Shiniang said, took Yang Qixuan's hand and said with a smile: "My husband is responsible and can help Mr. Zuo."
Chen Xilie stroked his beard and smiled, saying: "Don't worry, I have recalled Xue Bai to the court. You can use him as a sword against Yang Guozhong."
"Xue Bai?" Yang Qixuan frowned slightly and asked doubtfully: "What's the use of calling him back? In my opinion, it's better to contact Zhang Bian."
"Don't underestimate him." Chen Xilie took out a letter from his sleeve and said, "Look, he had already anticipated the development of the situation and left me a letter."
Just as Yang Qixuan was about to reach out, Li Shiniang had already taken the letter and read it, surprised and confused.
"The Prime Minister Zuo said that he had already guessed that my grandfather would die, and that he would worship the Prime Minister? He..."
Chen Xilie nodded slowly, with a scheming look, and said: "In the past, he had no official position, but he was still able to stir up huge disputes. Now that I have found an important position for him, it is like giving the Monkey King a golden cudgel."
Only Yang Qixuan was a little unhappy. He thought that cooperating with Chen Xilie to deal with Yang Guozhong was an opportunity for him to display his talents. Unexpectedly, Xue Bai stole the limelight again.
It seems that everyone values Xue Bai more than Li Jilan does.
Yang Qixuan opened the car curtain and looked at Li Linfu's tomb, feeling depressed. He thought he would be more comfortable after Li Linfu died.
~~
In late spring, in March, warblers fly and grass grows.
Xue Bai returned to Yizhou.
Before the New Year's Day, Xianyu Zhongtong had already been moved to Jingzhaoyin for his meritorious service, but he settled the follow-up affairs of Nanzhao, took the soldiers and prisoners to the north, and had to hand over to the newly appointed Jiannan Jiedushi Li Mi
, in short, everything is busy, and now I am still in Yizhou.
Therefore, as soon as Xue Bai entered Yizhou City, Xianyu Zhongtong got the news and personally welcomed him to the post house to stay.
"Hahaha, it just so happens that I am leaving my post in the past two days and heading to Chang'an. You and I can go with you all the way."
"It's fine, Mr. Xianyu, if you don't think I'm a burden."
"You are a member of Zhongshushe in your early twenties and you have a bright future. How dare I feel like you are a burden? I hope that my disciples can spend more time with you."
Xianyu Zhongtong was very friendly to Xue Bai, smiling all over his face.
At this time, someone who had a grievance with Xian Yuzhong arrived at the post house where Xue Bai was staying. When he saw Xian Yu Zhongtong's carriage from a distance, he avoided it and waited for him to leave before entering. It was Yan Wu.
"Xue Lang, we meet again."
It had only been a new year since we last met, and Yan Wu had grown a big beard, looking even more fierce.
Gao Shi came with him, wearing a green robe.
Xue Bai saw it and asked with a smile: "Are you staying in Yizhou to serve as officials?"
"It's a long story."
Yan Wu first looked out the door warily.
When the Diao brothers saw it, they quickly left and guarded the courtyard, knowing that there was indeed an eavesdropper around Xue Bai, and it was impossible for her to hear such real secrets.
When there were only three people left in the room, Yan Wu spoke up and said: "It was Wang Jieshuai who recommended us, respectively Ren Jianwei and Tongyi County Magistrate Shi. It's just that I offended Xian Yu Zhongtong. Wang Jieshuai fought with Xian Yu Zhongtong for me."
It was very unpleasant.”
Xue Bai asked: "How unpleasant is it?"
Yan Wu pondered briefly and said: "Now Xianyu Zhongtong may not have the intention to kill me, but he must kill Wang Jieshuai."
Xue Bai then looked at Gao Shi.
Gao Shi nodded and sighed: "It's not just because of the Yanwu incident. I'm afraid it has something to do with the sharing of credit for the Nanzhao expedition. Most of the generals in the Nanzhao expedition and the general's staff, most of whom were rewarded for their merits, were left behind.
Jiannan Road, Xianyu Zhongtong must be trying to win the battle, but he is also worried that someone will show up to the sage and report the details of the Nanzhao battle."
Xue Bai said: "I can tell the saint, he can't hide it."
"Therefore, Xue Lang and Xianyu Zhongtong are returning to Chang'an together. You must be careful on the way."
Yan Wudao: "Almost none of Wang Jieshuai's trusted generals could follow him back to Chang'an. In the end, Guan Chongsi resigned from his official position in the court and escorted him privately. What we are worried about is that Xian Yu Zhongtong may kill Jieshuai."
After Xue Bai heard this, he suddenly wondered if he had made a mistake by letting Wang Zhongsi take command of Nanzhao. Instead of letting Wang Zhongsi make military exploits again and be jealous, why not let him quietly guard the east of the river and suppress Anlu Mountain? But the Tang army cannot be allowed to do so.
He lost troops and generals in Nanzhao.
At this point, this thought passed away in a flash. In the final analysis, with the combat power of the Tang army, it is not difficult to conquer such small rebellions in the surrounding areas. What is difficult is the court situation.
…
Two days later, Xue Bai set off from Yizhou back to Chang'an.
Xianyu Zhongtong escorted Geluofeng back to the court to offer prisoners, and the newly appointed Jiannan Jiedu envoy Li Mi set up a battle array and went out of the city to see him off.
Xue Bai looked back and found that many of the generals he met during the southern expedition had stayed in Jiannan, and many more had stayed further away in Yunnan.
He believes there will be a day when we meet again.
Ten miles out of the city, the farewell team stopped. Xianyu Zhongtong led the team in front, while Xue Bai deliberately fell behind.
"Xue Lang."
Suddenly I heard a call and looked back, I saw two streaks of dust and smoke approaching from far away, and they were Yan Wu and Gao Shi. Just now, Xian Yu Zhongtong was there, and the two of them did not dare to get too close. Only then did they dare to come alone to see Xue Bai off.
Yan Wu took out a dagger from his sleeve and handed it over, saying: "Mr.
"good."
Xue Bai was not polite to him, took the dagger, shook it, and put it in his bag.
Gao Shi laughed heartily and said: "I am different from Yan Jiying. Xue Lang and I are close friends. Without these false gifts, today I am just here to see my friend off."
"Gao Sanwulang is stingy." Xue Bai said with a smile.
He is obsessed with power, but he actually prefers the attitude of "allowing himself to be driven".
Unfortunately, Gao Shi was much more romantic than Yan Wu and did not have so many utilitarian thoughts. After hearing the "stingy" comment, he thought about it and said, "Then I will give Xue Lang a poem."
"good!"
It was said that he wanted to give it to Xue Bai. Gao Shi became poetic, but he looked further north and murmured: "This poem is called "Conquering Nanzhao from Wang Jieshuai"."
After Yan Wu heard this, his face suddenly became serious.
They were loyal to Xue Bai, but admired and worried about Wang Zhongsi.
The wind blew through the sand and dust on the official road, and Gao Shi's voice was gloomy as he chanted.
"Saint Hess was angry and ordered to attack the southwestern armies. In the solemn temple, the heroes were deep and restrained..."
Xue Bai didn't like the beginning of this poem. He felt that he was too worldly and not as bold as before. But after listening to this poem, he gradually fell into memories.
"The drums travel outside the sky and fight among the barbarians. The ladders are close to tall birds, and the poisonous insects pass through the forest..."
The journey south was very painful and many people died, but my mind was actually numb and I didn't think too much, let alone have anything to express. Instead, it was after the incident was over and I listened to Gao Shi narrate it in poetry that I suddenly felt Comrades who have experienced so much together are extremely precious.
"The pay road is suddenly far away, and the hanging army is dying. It eats wild mice and digs out voles, and eats in the morning and eats with Bo boys..."
Except for the first few sentences, there is not much praise in the whole poem. Most of the words describe the hardships during the march.
Gao Shi seemed to want to use this to beg the court to let Wang Zhongsi go.
"You can avoid being ashamed when things happen, but you can bow when you are in danger. When the star shines alone, how can the surroundings be dim..."
When he finished reciting, a look of pride and sadness appeared on his face. At the end, after reciting the poem, he bowed deeply to Xue Bai, but said nothing more. Everything he wanted to say was in the poem, about the ambition of the general. , hardship, glory.
Xue Bai understood Gao Shi's intention, nodded solemnly, took the reins, and drove the horse away.
Gao Shi was imploring him to protect Wang Zhongsi. This request had nothing to do with Wang Zhongsi's political stance. It was purely out of the military friendship.
And this love of honor in the army is sometimes ten thousand times more effective than the utilitarianism in the officialdom.
"Return to Chang'an Road and summon Ganquan Palace."
Xue Bai took the invisible gains he brought back from Nanzhao and rode on the road back to Chang'an...
~~
Chang'an.
Xuanyangfang, Yang Guozhong's residence.
Pei Rou's belly was already swollen. Every time Yang Guozhong saw her, he was not angry but happy. He said that the couple had a deep relationship and that the Yang family would become more prosperous with the addition of a daughter.
From this, a common saying spread, "The prime minister's belly can punt a boat." It seems that a slave in Xue Bai's house first said it. It was also said that Xue Bai had long expected the scandal in Yang's house, so he stayed. This kind of evaluation is so popular.
Yang Guozhong didn't care either. He invited a few more beauties that day and tried to get them to sit on his belly and punt the boat.
He was happy when there was a communication sound outside the door.
"Alang, I have a greeting card. I am from the clan, Duke Li Qiwu of Longxi County."
"Li Qiwu?" Yang Guozhong thought for a moment and said, "The house caught fire and burned the third sister-in-law's house?"
"yes."
"Have you compensated?"
"This...should be compensation."
Yang Guozhong first took out a pamphlet from his sleeve and read it.
When Mei Ji, who was sitting on his belly, saw this, she couldn't help but cover her mouth and smile, and said coquettishly: "Right Prime Minister, how can you enjoy yourself at home? You still have this hidden in your sleeves, and you are so devoted to national affairs?"
"Hahaha!" Yang Guozhong laughed, waved the booklet in his hand, and said, "This thing is extraordinary. I have to rely on it if I want to maintain my position."
"Such a pamphlet."
"You don't understand this. People in the world have anger, and they have to have a place to vent their anger, just like you and me now."
"Hey, being right-minded will embarrass people."
Yang Guozhong laughed again, squinted at the booklet, and murmured: "Li Qiwu... found it! This cockfighting cock is really..."
Only then did he give the order to call Li Qiwu over.
"There was a fire in my house, and the Prime Minister was implicated. This is my apology to the Prime Minister." Li Qiwu handed over a gift list and said, "Please take a look at it."
"Let's be honest, what kind of official position do you want to seek?" Yang Guozhong was a straightforward person and asked straight to the point.
Li Qiwu paused for a moment, his eyes flickered, and he said slowly: "I was demoted to the post of Jingling County Sheriff a few years ago. Now that my term has expired, I want to fill the gap... I will be the prison guard."
Yang Guozhong said leisurely: "Will you be the prisoner? But you haven't been released yet."
The current general supervisor is Li Xiu.
"It will be out soon." Li Qiwu said: "I think Li Xiu should observe filial piety, right?"
"It's love-stealing. This is the saint's grace to the Li family."
Li Qiwu then showed a reluctant expression and said doubtfully: "I heard that Li Xianzhong of Shuofang rebelled. This person seems to be Li Linfu's adopted son, right?"
When Yang Guozhong heard this, he gently touched the end of his beard with his fingers, smiling but not answering.
Recently, he has met with many officials who were suppressed and excluded by Li Linfu in order to consolidate his power.
Unlike Yang Guozhong, who "the prime minister's belly can hold a boat" and can even accept his wife's "pregnancy in a dream". Li Linfu is extremely narrow-minded and has offended countless people. Yang Guozhong thinks he has no ability to suppress it like Li Linfu.
He can only channel.
In this way, there is a problem that has to be dealt with - the world has been resentful towards Li Linfu for a long time and must take revenge on Li Linfu.
But where to start?
~~
On this day, after Li Qiwu left, Miao Jinqing hurried over and reported: "Right Prime Minister, we found out that it was indeed the Left Prime Minister who handed the note under the Zhongshu Gate, making the lower officials mistakenly think that it was the Right Prime Minister who wanted to transfer Xue Xiang back.
white."
"You still need to investigate this?!" Yang Guozhong scolded: "The truth is something that can be understood as soon as you think about it. It took you many days to find out?"
"Xiaguan, I also want to know something."
Miao Jinqing pretended to wipe his sweat. In fact, he was not afraid of Yang Guozhong. He glanced at him secretly and said, "Prime Minister Zuo has been here recently. He often meets Yang Qixuan in private. He seems to be discussing how to deal with you, Prime Minister Right."
"Yang Qixuan?"
Yang Guozhong thought for a while, patted his knees, picked up the brush, turned a page in the booklet left by Li Linfu, and wrote a name.
Miao Jinqing looked around and quickly recognized the book. He couldn't help but wonder, how did Shihu get all the books asking for fighting cocks? It seems that the Li family is not united, and a disaster is coming...